Flat-work first Trainer Julie Riches

What an amazing show. I had the privilege of going with Nicola Naylor - Dressage to CHIO Aachen for there first ever para competition and it didn’t disappoint.

Nicola and the stunning humberto L did amazingly in a very strong competition full of exciting horses ,they managed to get 4th on the first day by just 0.2 % but then upped to 3rd on the second and 3rd day.

I can not explain how it feels to walk into an arena like that with your friend beside you who you have spent so many hours getting their trust and helping them grow. Anyone who knows humberto knows he isn’t the easiest at times and I have spent literally hours hand walking! But this is what it was for. He stood like a rock to take his praise and made me so proud.

This journey started as a request for an hgv driver and has turned into so much more. I do join nic every time in the arena to help guide her during her test. I do enjoy it so much. (Although today I would say it is exhausting 😂)

We are joined by Sarah Millis Dressage who is nics home trainer and she is getting nic and Humbo to shine and is great to spend these adventures with.

The other lucky competitor was Jemima Green with the wonderful fantabulous who smashed it every day as well. She , her trainer Gina supported by the amazing groom Maisie Hodge were great to spend time with and made me laugh every day and I am very grateful.

The team support as usual was fantastic all of the British Equestrian support staff always go above and beyond the help nic and humbo achieve the best they can.

So as i recover today with a quiet day. I wanted you all to see some of the moments we captured. Thanks guys it was fun xx

Emily and spud are so good together and I am so pleased that they have been recognised in such a lovely way. Congratulations to them both. Now let’s do it again. Xx

Meet our March Petplan Horse of the Month winner Spud!🏆

Nominations were open to all 'festival first timers' and Emily's lovely nomination of Spud and their journey that brought them to the Area Festival series is inspirational!😍

"As AF first timers, and as a 40 year old woman who has had the privilege of having my horse of a lifetime (for the last three years), I am living all of my childhood dreams. My horse ‘Spud’ is retired from the hunt field and having been lucky enough to come across him and now call him mine, he started a new career in the world of dressage, at 15 years old. He has done everything that’s been asked of him, and a whole bucket load more than that. Spud doesn’t know how to not give you everything that you ask for, and I know he is my one in a million. He will never know just how much he has enhanced my life, and top it off, bagged a Top 10 placing in Prelim (Bronze). 🤎"

Thank you to everyone who nominated! Keep an eye out for Aprils competition!